[Diagnosis of tumor recurrence within the breast after tumor removal for cancer, followed or not by radiotherapy. Apropos of 23 cases].

: The diagnostic value of mammography was evaluated retrospectively in 23 recurrent carcinomas in patients previously treated by partial mastectomy with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. Mammography established accurate diagnosis in 11 of the 23 patients. Mammography should always be performed in addition to clinical and cytological examinations and results must be evaluated jointly. Confrontation of these three investigations may be inconclusive as a result of changes produced by radiotherapy or surgery. The authors recall the necessity of surgical control of any nodular lesion developed in the area of the initial operation, particularly during the first three years.